Sheffield is a fantastic city for students. It’s got plenty to see and do, and there are loads of fantastic ways to spend your time that aren’t going to take a serious chunk out of your student loan. Here are five tips for making the most of your time as a student in Sheffield.
Where to socialise
There are a number of student-friendly bars and clubs in Sheffield. The Harley is a popular choice, and unlike many student clubs, it plays a variety of different music. Those who have had enough of the usual thumping baselines and mangled synth sounds will appreciate the eclectic mix of funk, jazz, ska, soul, and other genres that populate The Harley’s playlists. If you need something a little cheaper though, Basement is a much more conventional student pub, just go easy on the super-cheap booze on offer.
Where to eat
When it comes to food, students have the same priorities, it needs to be cheap and it needs to be good. But if you have to choose, cheap wins out over good. Silversmiths is a great location that feels a lot like a traditional Yorkshire pub. They source all their produce locally, cook delicious meals at an affordable price, and have a team of staff known for their hospitality.
Where to live
Finding decent student accommodation is getting harder in some places. Sheffield is a modern student city, however, and is therefore well served by the range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. On the higher end of the scale, in terms of quality at least, you have Collegiate’s tenancies in Sheffield; this is some of the best and most modern student accommodation Sheffield has to offer.
Where to get coffee
Caffeine is an essential part of any student diet. For many of us, caffeine is the fuel we need to be able to crawl out of bed in the morning in anything resembling a reasonable state. Coffee shops are also wonderful places for socialising, especially for those of us who don’t drink. Upshot Espresso offers a jaw-dropping range of different coffee, and the knowledgeable staff will happily guide you to the right brew for your needs.
Other places to check out
The Space Centre is quite possibly the nerdiest shop in Sheffield (take that Forbidden Planet) but it is also one of the most delightful. They offer everything that a self-respecting nerd needs, from comics and associated paraphernalia, to collectables and board games. It also happens to be one of the oldest comic book shops in the UK, so make sure that you check it out.
The Millennium Gallery is a great place to go if you’re in the mood for absorbing a bit of culture. They house a diverse gallery which includes numerous contemporary art pieces, as well as a selection of the metalwork for which Sheffield is renowned. Their collection consists of an intriguing mix of the old and the new, with something here to suit every potential taste and preference.
When you know where to go and what to do, the city of Sheffield really opens up. The above list is just a small selection of the many wonderful sights and experiences that Sheffield has to offer.
*Image credit: Sheffield Food Festival
